Make a cuddle-cosy blanket

Colour Block BlanketWorking two contrasting colours on the diagonal of a granny square creates a dramatic twist.When positioned together, these squares will create a unique blanket with plenty of opportunity for pattern play.

ABBREVIATIONS

PATTERN NOTES

When changing colour, introduce the new yarn on the final stage of the last treble stitch, drawing the new yarn through the last two loops on the hook. The new yarn will now be ready to work the next stitches.Carry the unused yarn at the back of the work, ensuring it is caught and held neatly in place by the working yarn. Avoid drawing this yarn too tightly or holding it too loosely, as this will make it visible and affect the appearance of the finished square.

PATTERN

Using yarn A, work 6ch and join with a sl st in first ch to make a ring. Round 1: 3ch (counts as 1tr throughout), 2tr, 2ch, 3tr, using yarn B and carrying yarn A, (2ch, 3tr) twice, using yarn A, 2ch, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of 3ch.Round 2: using yarn A and carrying yarn B, 3ch, 2tr in last ch-sp of round 1, 1ch, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in next ch-sp, 1ch, 3tr in next ch-sp, using yarn B and carrying yarn A, 2ch, 3tr in same ch-sp as last 3tr, 1ch, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in next ch-sp, 1ch, 3tr in same ch-sp as first 3tr, using yarn A, 2ch, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of 3ch.Round 3: using yarn A and carrying yarn B, 3ch, 2tr in last 2ch-sp of round 2, 1ch, 3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in corner 2ch-sp, 1ch, 3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch, 3tr in next 2ch-sp, using yarn B and carrying yarn A, 2ch, 3tr in same 2ch-sp as last 3tr, 1ch, 3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in next corner 2ch-sp, 1ch, 3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch, 3tr in same corner 2ch-sp as first 3tr, using yarn A, 2ch, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of 3ch.Round 4: using yarn A and carrying yarn B, 3ch, 2tr in last 2ch-sp of round 3, 1ch, [3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch] twice, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in corner 2ch-sp, 1ch, [3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch] twice, 3tr in next corner 2ch-sp, using yarn B and carrying yarn A, 2ch, 3tr in same 2ch-sp as last 3tr, 1ch, [3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch] twice, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in next corner 2ch-sp, 1ch, [3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch] twice, 3tr in same corner 2ch-sp as first 3tr, using yarn A, 2ch, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of 3ch.Round 5: using yarn A and carrying yarn B, 3ch, 2tr in last 2ch-sp of Round 4, 1ch, [3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch] 3 times, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in corner 2ch-sp, 1ch, [3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch] 3 times, 3tr in next corner 2ch-sp, using yarn B and carrying yarn A, 2ch, 3tr in same 2ch-sp as last 3tr, 1ch, [3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch] 3 times, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in next corner 2ch-sp, 1ch, [3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch] 3 times, 3tr in same corner 2ch-sp as first 3tr, using yarn A, 2ch, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of 3ch.

Repeat instructions to make a total of 30 squares using yarns A and B, 14 squares in yarns A and C, and 12 squares in yarns B and C – 56 squares in total.

MAKE UP

Weave in all ends and block to measurements.Lay the squares out in seven rows of eight squares each, placing them randomly, or in a design of your own choosing. Create an invisible seam by placing the squares with RS together in pairs and joining with a sl st through the back loop only of each stitch. When opened to the RS, the seam will be secured on the back and the part of the stitch on the RS will be untouched.Continue working to join the squares together in pairs in this manner before joining the rows.Work a border using yarn C, working 1ch, 1dc in each st around and [1dc, 1ch, 1dc] in each corner ch-sp, join with a sl st in first dc. Rep this round once more. Fasten off and weave in remaining ends.Refer to ball band for washing and further care instructions.

Modern Granny Square Crochet by Laura Strutt, photography by Caroline Arber, published by CICO Books, priced £12.99. Call 01256-302699 quoting EE1 to purchase a copy at the special price of £9.99

Yours tip: Weaving in the ends for each square as you go saves a having a big job to do at the end.